When commanding or reprimanding a pup, one of the worst things you can do is repeat yourself! Just offer the order once — the goal is to get him to respond the first time . . . not the fourteenth. Repeating yourself causes him to choose when to obey, if ever.

Just like parents ask children to look at them when giving orders, eye contact is key when speaking to dogs, too. Pay special attention to any blinking patterns that can mean the dog is thinking about the command and whether or not to obey!

If you're trying to get a dog to hold sit, hover your hand right above so, if he moves, he'll hit your hand and self correct or you can gently push him down again. Similarly, when trying to get a dog off the bed, put your arm under him and gently lift. This will start to be uncomfortable and can be all the additional encouragement your pup needs to hop off on his own. No matter the correction you choose, the goal is helping him in the right direction not doing it all on your own.